The Realm Page 2

  My blood started to run hot, and not in a good way. “Excuse me?”

  Blake looked questioningly at her betrothed. “What promise is this?”

  The prince rocked back on his heels. “I told Rhys—not promised—that I’d help him find an appropriate date for the wedding. And also a shirt.”

  “A shirt’s a good place to start,” Blake said encouragingly.

  I pointed at the werewolf as he continued to eye me appraisingly. “A shirt isn’t going to help that. Three decades of manner school and a full-body grooming might not even help it.”

  Rhys’s enormous shoulders shook with laughter. “Ah, she’s got some spirit. Like I said, she’ll do nicely. Make it happen, Your Highness. You owe me.” He winked at me then saluted Austin as he sauntered off.

  My jaw just about hit the floor. “Your Highness, this has got to be a mistake. You have no authority to set me up with a beast like that.”

  “I didn’t.” Austin shook his head. “I never said I’d come through for him with a date; I only said I’d try. He’s very nervous to see the king and queen at the ceremony, of course. They disapprove of him.”

  “Why?” I asked.

  “Because he’s a werewolf, and I’m giving him part of our ancestral lands in exchange for the loyalty the wolves have shown us over the years, particularly in our last battle against the rebels. He’s about to take control of the Realm, the land we’ve promised him. The wedding is to be his first society event. He wants to make a good showing.”

  “Humph.” I tossed my hair. “I’d rather go to the ceremony with one of the gnomes—they’re more civilized.”

  “Rhys is more sophisticated than you might think. He showed great self-control around my father. The king doesn’t support our land treaty, but Rhys still treated him with deference while we were in the settlements. He might just be a politician in the making.” Austin laughed.

  “He helped us, and we should help him.” Blake nodded. “We should find him an escort who can make him feel comfortable at a big event. I’m sure he’s never attended something like this before. Do werewolves have weddings?” She scrunched up her face. “Wait a minute—are there female werewolves? I don’t think I’ve ever seen one.”

  “No, there aren’t. Werewolves are male only, born to human females who have mated with their kind. That’s why there are far fewer of them than vampires—they cannot turn others,” Austin explained. “They can also mate with standard wolves, but then the offspring are not weres; they are more like superwolves. They prefer to have children with humans, to produce full werewolves, but no one in Rhys’s pack has done so in many years.”

  “Why not?” Blake asked.

  “They’ve been waiting for a homestead of their own. After the land grant, they’ll build an infrastructure and take wives, have families.”

  I grimaced. “Ick.”

  Blake shot me a reproving look. “Don’t be like that. They’re the same as you and me. They just happen to be werewolves.”

  “Would you consider bringing Rhys as your date, Tamara?” Austin asked gently. “It’d be a great favor to me. I do owe him.”

  “You have got to be kidding me,” I said. But Austin’s pleading expression said he wasn’t joking. “Seriously? He probably doesn’t even own a pair of shoes!”

  “You’re just the one to help him.” The prince smiled tentatively. “I have come to rely on you as an integral member of the royal court. No one could have planned such an extravagant wedding in the North as meticulously as you. My staff confided that they’ve never seen someone so focused and organized.”

  My chest puffed out until I realized why he was flattering me.

  “You’re both distinguished guests of honor—Rhys is a groomsman, and you’re a bridesmaid,” Blake chimed in. “I’m sure it would be the talk of the North if the beautiful Goodwill Ambassador made a point of extending her diplomacy and charm to the newest member of the royal court. Rhys is to be king of the Realm, you know.”

  I looked down at Elsa, who was panting in my arms, her tongue lolling out. Truth be told, the werewolf king was my only option as a date other than the gnome. Perhaps there was a way to turn this to my advantage.

  “Fine, I’ll do it. But I would like some special, royal recognition—perhaps a new appointment or honor.” I raised my chin. “I follow orders, Your Highness, and I am happy to help where I can. But I expect to be recognized for my loyalty.”

  The prince laughed. “Absolutely, Tamara. I will think on it and bestow you a title of great importance.”

  Ooh, I do love important titles. “Fine. You may tell the wolf I’ll accompany him to the wedding. Have the tailor contact me directly—I want to make sure that Rhys has everything he needs to make a proper showing.” Like a shirt. And shoes. “If you will excuse me, I have wedding details to attend to.” Trying to hold onto my dignity, I bowed my head slightly and took my leave.

  As I sashayed off, Austin said to Blake, “You know what? If I don’t watch my back, she’s going to be running the place.”

  Blake laughed. “I think she might be already.”

  Wash Your Face

  The wedding preparations continued in earnest. After a whirlwind of guests arriving from the settlements, the camera crews had set up their equipment, the food was prepared, and everything was ready. Austin and Blake’s wedding would be broadcast live, much to the delight of the citizens. A new day was dawning in the settlements. Since The Pageant, the settlers were coming to accept, and even have affection for, their new rulers. The news broadcast daily that tolerance and a feeling of unity were sweeping the settlements, eclipsing the old ways of fear and separation.

  The royals had never made public remarks about their vampirism. Rumors abounded in the settlements, of course—it was unspoken but widely understood that the royals were supernatural. That’s why the human rebels still fought them. For years, mistrust had ruled both sides. The settlers feared the royals, and the royals looked down upon the human settlers. It was also never publicly discussed that the human rebels were still out there, fighting to take back the settlements from the vampire conquerors. What the rebels didn’t seem to grasp or accept was that most, if not all, of the vampires followed a diet of donated blood only. There were exceptions, of course, but they were rare. So although vampires were inherently dangerous to humans, the royals had vowed to live peacefully amongst our kind.

  The Pageant changed things, as the settlers were given the opportunity to see the more personal side of the royal family. Since Prince Dallas had married Gwyneth, the royals had been forced to become closer to the humans, and to relate to them as something other than servants or meals. Blake and Austin’s wedding marked the beginning of yet another new chapter in our history. Blake, the poor girl from Settlement 15, and Austin Black, the vampire prince, would rule the North together with the king and queen’s blessing. Times were changing, and we were at the forefront of a new frontier of peace and prosperity.

  With the arrival of Princess Gwyneth, Prince Dallas, King Reginald, Queen Serena, Blake’s family, and other guests from the settlements, the Northern castle was in a happy uproar. After toasting, planning, and decorating for several days, the morning of the ceremony finally dawned.

  Before the sun even peeked over the horizon, I breakfasted quickly in my room then took the gnomes out for a walk. I needed to make sure that they were exercised properly before Blake and I were consumed with our duties and the celebration itself. Fresh air and cardio were so important, helping them maintain shiny fur and a positive outlook.

  I inhaled the chilly air as the sun rose higher, and I wrapped my cloak tightly about me for warmth. The day was crisp and clear—perfect for the festivities. Blake had confided the previous night that the only thing she’d been worried about was rain. “You’ve planned everything else down to the last perfect detail.” She’d winked at me. “The rain’s the only thing you can’t control.”

  But it appeared that the weather would be wonder
ful, just like everything else. My heart soared as Elsa and Beast whizzed about the lawns, deliriously happy to be outside on the dewy grass. Today will be perfect; it will be everything I’ve planned.

  The joyful thoughts trailed off as a pair of bare feet appeared in my peripheral vision, peeking out of one of the gardens. Suddenly, Rhys sprang out and landed right in my path. “Hello there.”

  “Oh!” I put my hand over my heart, completely startled.

  “Ah, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” He looked slightly abashed. “Are you all right?”

  “What the bloody hell did you think you were doing, jumping out at me like that?”

  “I didn’t think.” Rhys shook his head. “I haven’t spent much time around humans since the blight. I forgot how skittish you are.”

  “I’m not skittish—you simply have no manners.” I eyed my date with disdain. I hadn’t seen him since that day in the castle. Austin had mentioned that he was keeping a low profile until the ceremony, wanting to avoid the media and the royals until the last moment. Rhys was as shirtless as ever, his muscles glistening in the early morning light. His long hair was wild, cascading down his back. There was a streak of dirt on his face as if he’d slept in a ditch.

  I crossed my arms against my chest. “And why are you so dirty? Did you have to bury your bone?”

  “Ha—I remember you have some spirit.” He leaned forward and sniffed. “Smell good, too. I’m quite looking forward to tonight.”

  “Well, that makes one of us!”

  He frowned and took a step back. “I’ll be on my best behavior, my lady. I’ve no interest in making a fool of myself in front of King Reginald and Queen Serena. That’s just what they’re expecting—I won’t give them the satisfaction.”

  I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm down. Prince Austin had asked me for a favor, and I’d said yes. The werewolf king needed all the help he could get, and I could guide him. I’d get a shiny new title and perhaps a promotion in return. “I can help you with that,” I said reluctantly.

  “Really?” The werewolf’s dark gaze brightened. “Would you?”

  “Yes, of course. But you’ll have to listen to me. Do you take orders well?”

  His laughter sounded suspiciously like a bark. “Orders?”

  “Instructions, I suppose you could call them.” I waved my hand dismissively. “First of all, take a bath. Wash your face.”

  “Does it count if I rinse off in the pond?”

  I wrinkled my nose. “No, it does not. You are absolutely taking a bath, with soap—lots of it—and then you are to be dressed in your finest. I assume that Austin has fitted you for a ceremonial uniform, as you are a groomsman?”

  “Yes.” Rhys didn’t look happy.

  I didn’t tell him that I’d had the tailor take the seams in so that the uniform would fit snugly and accentuate the werewolf’s big shoulders and narrow waist. “What’s the problem? Why’re you pulling a face?”

  The werewolf shrugged. “I don’t like clothes, is all.” He pointed to his chest. “This is how you tell I have power—it should be displayed.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Oh, get over yourself. You must learn to look presentable in clothes if you’re to be a king. True power is derived from within, after all. You can’t be boo-hooing about covering up your muscles.”

  Rhys gaped at me. I continued, “You must dress properly and have your hair pulled back neatly. If you do those things, I will help you tonight at the reception. I’ll show you what silverware to use during dinner and how to waltz when the orchestra plays. If you would like, I will introduce you to my friends. Do you drink champagne?” The werewolf stared at me blankly. “Oh, never mind. I drink it, and you will fetch it for me, and everything will be all right.” I hoped that was true. I whistled for the gnomes, who rolled happily toward me, careful to steer clear of Rhys. “I’ll send some of the staff out to help you later. One of the maids can comb your hair. Make sure every member of your pack is presentable and decent for the ceremony. The prince has said it’s important for you to show yourselves, but it’s crucial that you do it well. A clean uniform and good-smelling hair can do wonders for how people perceive you.”

  Rhys looked gobsmacked by my attention to detail. “Thank you, my lady.” He bowed his head slightly. “I think I’ve gotten lucky with my choice of a partner. You are worthy of at least a bath, I feel certain.”

  “Oh, you don’t know the half of it.” I hustled back toward the castle before I could change my mind and bring one of the gnomes to the wedding instead of Rhys. I’d already done the hard work of training Elsa and Beast. The werewolf leader was a much, much bigger project.

  But I’d only promised to give him a few hours. I would show him a steak knife, teach him not to step on my feet as we waltzed, and be done with him. I’d planned an entire society wedding in as little as three weeks. This date would be a cakewalk by comparison.

  Together Again

  Even from the back, Blake’s gown was absolutely stunning. Of course, I’d been the one to pick it out. I’d known that with such a knockout dress, my statuesque friend would thrill not only Austin but her legion of fans in the settlements as well. The back was plunging, Blake’s smooth skin exposed. The gown was belted tightly at the waist then flowed out in frothy waves into a full skirt. Her hair was pulled back into an elegant bun, with loose tendrils around her face. Blake’s best accessory, of course, was her brilliant smile. She hadn’t stopped grinning from ear to ear.

  For his part, Austin hadn’t stopped staring at her, tears in his eyes. Much to the amusement of the officiant and of Blake herself, he forgot to speak at several points during the ceremony because he was too overwhelmed with emotion.

  “Your Highness.” Blake leaned forward with a whisper only me and the other bridesmaids could hear. “Go on, now. It’s your turn. As soon as we’ve finished, we get to kiss, remember?”

  “Oh… Yes.” He still looked dazed, but Austin speedily recounted his vows after that.

  I kept feeling eyes on me. I peered around Gwyneth’s shoulder and found Rhys staring. I held my chin up, not responding. But I did have to admit, albeit briefly and only to myself, that the werewolf looked attractive in his ceremonial uniform. His thick hair was pulled back sleekly, showcasing his strong nose and chin and the lustrous glow of his dark complexion. He looked taller and spectacularly muscular even with his clothes on—I’d have to remember to tell him that to make him feel better about covering up his abs.

  I ignored him as his eyes grazed my body hungrily. Let him look. My dress, with its plunging diamond-encrusted bodice, was fabulous on me. He might as well enjoy the view. But if he touched me with one filthy paw, that would be another matter entirely.

  Gwyneth, Eve, Shaye, Blake, and I stood in a circle, our champagne flutes raised. It was lovely to be reunited with Princess Gwyneth. She was the maid of honor. Her purple gown matched the rest of ours in color, but it had a higher neckline and a longer train. Her red tresses were pulled up into a tasteful chignon. Even though she was from the settlements, she’d been every inch royalty since her marriage to Prince Dallas Black. Still, she was a princess of the people. Both she and Dallas had sworn to serve and protect the human settlers. Gwyneth was one of them, and she would never abandon her people.

  Shaye Iman was also a bridesmaid. A fellow Goodwill Ambassador, she’d devoted herself to working on initiatives that would benefit the disenfranchised members of the settlements. Shaye looked lovely as always in her bridesmaid gown that showcased her enviable curves. Her thick tawny ringlets were pulled up off her face, accentuating her enormous brown eyes and burnished-copper skin.

  Eve had managed to wrangle her way out of wearing a bridesmaid dress. To my horror and her delight, she wore a dark ceremonial uniform, the trousers tucked snugly into highly polished boots. Her white-blond curls were loose to her chin, and she’d somehow gotten away without wearing a stitch of makeup.

  Blake raised her glass higher. “To
the best friends I’ve ever had.” Her eyes misted over.

  “Mind your mascara,” I chided.

  “Oh, Tamara.” She hugged me hard, almost spilling my drink. “Thank you for everything. Today was everything I ever dreamed of—and such dreams were beyond me for many, many years.”

  I cleared my throat and wiped at my own eyes. “You’re welcome. It’s my pleasure.”

  “See, that’s exactly what I mean.” Blake released me and grinned at us even as her tears threatened to spill over. “When I got selected for The Pageant, the best I hoped for was decent food and maybe some help for my family. Instead, I’ve gained another family. You are my sisters. Thank you so much for being here with me on my special day. It means the world to me.”

  “Cheers!” We all clinked our glasses together.

  Blake winked at us. “And special thanks to Eve, who is a reluctant bridesmaid for the second time.”

  Eve raised her chin. She hated to wear fancy gowns, vastly preferring trousers. “At least you let me wear my uniform.”

  “Aw, Eve, I’m sorry I made you wear that bridesmaid dress at my wedding.” Gwyneth hugged Eve then whispered, “But I think my brother prefers you in trousers, anyway. He can’t stop staring.”

  “Gwyneth…” Two hectic spots of color bloomed on Eve’s cheeks.

  “Don’t pretend you don’t know what she’s talking about.” Shaye surreptitiously inclined her head toward the knot of men standing nearby. Balkyn, Gwyneth’s older brother, was indeed staring at Eve. “He’s smitten with you.”

  Eve cleared her throat. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to…” She fled without finishing her excuse, her face turning scarlet.

  Balkyn left his group and followed her, and we all giggled.

  “Ah, love is in the air.” Gwyneth waved to her husband, Prince Dallas, and he blew her a kiss from where he stood. She turned to me, grinning. “Speaking of love, I happened to notice a certain tall, dark, and handsome someone who couldn’t keep his eyes off of you during the ceremony, Tamara.”